HomeMy WebLinkAboutVote No On Marriage Amendment
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Jennifer Bennerotte,
Communications & Technology Services Director
Phone 952-833-9520 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission Urges ‘No’ Vote on
Marriage Amendment
Edina, Minn., Aug. 6, 2012 – The Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission urges voters to vote
against the proposed constitutional amendment that would restrict marriage to one man and one woman in
Minnesota. A statement prepared by the Commission says the proposed amendment would violate the basic
principles of individual liberty, religious freedom and equality under the law.
“Our nation was founded on the principle of individual liberty—of citizens being allowed to live their lives as
they see fit, so long as they don’t interfere with the freedom of others,” said Jessi Kingston, Chair of the
Human Rights & Relations Commission. “One of the most cherished freedoms of many is the right to marry
and make a life commitment to the person they love. The proposed amendment restricting marriage, if
passed, would constitutionally block that freedom for many citizens.”
The Human Rights & Relations Commission stated the amendment would also violate religious freedom.
While noting that some religions oppose same-sex marriage, the Commission’s statement noted many
religious faiths do not oppose it. The statement said, “We believe it is inappropriate to use the constitution as
a means by which one religious faith forces its doctrines on citizens of other faiths.” Kingston noted that
more than 100 faith organizations have taken positions against the proposed constitutional amendment,
including Good Samaritan United Methodist Church and Edina Community Lutheran Church.
According to the Commission’s statement, the proposed amendment would embed in the constitution
unequal rights for gay and lesbian citizens to marry the person of their choice. Since hundreds of laws provide
rights and benefits based on marriage, the amendment, if approved, would give gay partners unequal rights to
married couples with regard to such things as inheriting property in the absence of a will, covering a partner
for health insurance, and making medical decisions for an incapacitated partner.
Kingston stated that it is the public policy of the City of Edina to prohibit discrimination, including
discrimination based on sexual preference. Earlier this year, the Human Rights & Relations Commission
recommended and the Edina City Council approved a resolution in opposition to the proposed constitutional
amendment. Said Kingston, “I’m proud that Edina civic, religious and business leaders have taken stands to
make Edina a welcoming and inclusive community. It’s one of the reasons this city is a great place to live.”
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